Light or Dark? Choosing the Right Beer for You

The color of a beer varies based on how much the malt is toasted. The color varies from a pale tan, light beer, to black, the darkest beer. While the color is the only true differentiator between light and dark beers, dark beers are generally considered to have a stronger taste than light beer, and people generally drink less amounts of it. Quality beers fall throughout the spectrum of light and dark, including many in the middle, which have an amber hue. At Stonehurst we serve beers across the spectrum with a variety of flavors and textures.

Lighter Beers

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

The Pale Ale was Sierra Nevada’s first beer and is considered a classic. It has a unique piney and grapefruit aroma as it is made with whole-cone American hops. This beer is best paired with a grilled steak or Thai Curry and a citrus salad.

Tuckerman Pale Ale

Tuckerman Pale Ale is locally made in Conway, New Hampshire. It is brewed with specialty malts, some grown in Maine, and four types of hops. The beer is naturally carbonated using the German process “krausening” in which a small amount of fermenting wort is added. It has a citrus and grassy aroma with similar flavors.

Magic Hat Circus Boy

The Circus Boy is an American version of the German Hefeweizen. It has an abundant citrus aroma and a light, sweet quality. Its lightness makes it a particularly good accompaniment to a fish or sushi dish.

Shipyard Old Thumper

The Old Thumper is a non-traditional English Bitter. It was created in 1979 by British Brewer Peter Austin. It contains three hops and a chocolate and crystal malt. The beer has a hint of sweetness with fruit aromas and a smooth texture. It is best paired with stews and hearty casseroles.

Darker Beers

Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale

Samuel Smith Nut Brown is an amber ale brewed in the United Kingdom. It has a nut aroma derived from small amounts of dark malt with caramel overtones. It is relatively dry and made with well water.

Dogfish Head IPA

The IPA is continuously hopped with more than 60 hot additions. It is citrusy and grassy and best paired with spicy foods, pizza and cheeses.

Unibroue Maudite

Unibroue is a brand rooted in Quebec culture. The Maudite is a strong amber, almost red ale. It has a cloudy appearance due to it being made using the traditional bottle fermentation method. It is characterized by a robust maltiness and spiciness and has an aroma of orange, malt and wild spices.

Sam Adams Boston Lager

Samuel Adams Boston Lager has a deep amber, almost golden color. The hop varieties in the beer give it a citrus, floral and piney flavor along with a sweet caramel. It is made with two-row malted barley, which gives a smooth body along with a wide spectrum of flavor. It serves well with steak and eggs.

Darkest Beers

Guinness Stout Draught BottleThe Guinness Draught is a black beer produced in Ireland. It smells of roasted malt, coffee and dark chocolate with similar flavors.

Guest Comments

The restaurant was the highlight of our stay at Stonehurst. 5-star dining in a beautiful atmosphere with A-one service!

Richard B. – 8/17/2013

Your friendly, personalized service went beyond our expectations. Delicious meals with such a vast amount of choice.

Alan D. – 7/23/2013

Wedding --- Heidi was amazing and helped the wedding party with whatever we needed to make our trip and stay special

Leah L. 7/15/2013

Staff is the best, the food is exceptional, looking forward to our next visit.

Linda B. – 8/3/2013

Mary Ann was very pleasant each night we came in for dinner, always asking how our day was.

Debbie C. – 7/19/2013

Favorite place to come with our pets.

Ivanna B. 8/3/2013

We love the Stonehurst. You really get what you pay for. We plan to return to the Stonehurst for our honeymoon. The Manor is really special to us.

Tiffanie C. 9/7/2013

Keep your breakfast and supper included policy going, it’s unique and sets you apart from the other lodging establishments. A great deal which comes up all the time when recommending you to friends.

Richard Q. 7/15/2013

I love your garden! I am an avid gardener and your garden is relaxing very appropriate for a Manor.I especially love the Gazebo and the row of Adirondack chairs facing Mt. Washington! I did not play tennis this time but will the next time!

John F. – 7/23/2013

We tell everyone we know to stay or just go for dinner. We have a family house in N Conway but love to stay for anniversary. Great to see your sign say no vacancy. Why would anyone stay in a chain hotel when they can stay with you in such a beautiful house with great food. Looking forward to coming back next year.